Washington County landfill rules add $5 scale charge and tougher load penalties

Washington County’s new landfill rules took effect upon passage and approval, adding a $5 charge to every trip and expanding penalties for improperly handled loads.

The signed Resolution 34-2026 was approved Sept. 15, 2026. It says the rules are effective upon passage and approval, with no later effective date.

The resolution largely carries forward the fee schedule adopted earlier this year. County residents pay $30 for loads under 500 pounds. Loads of 500 pounds or more cost $40 per ton, with a $40 minimum. Out-of-county residents or loads containing out-of-county waste pay $60 per ton, with a $60 minimum. Commercial truckloads cost $40 per ton, with a $40 minimum. Every trip also carries the $5 scale charge.

The earlier 2026 fee schedule set those principal rates and other item-specific fees, including charges for tires, appliances, mattresses, padded furniture and specialty materials, beginning Feb. 1.

The new rules allow the county to charge twice the applicable fee for uncovered, inadequately secured, unsorted or improperly separated loads. The same penalty can apply to loads containing undisclosed batteries or appliances, in addition to item-specific charges. Customers must accurately report the origin and contents of their waste, sort materials and secure their loads.

The landfill is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. The last load must enter by 3:45 p.m. unless the landfill manager gives prior approval. Saturday or other additional hours may be authorized and announced publicly.

The county administrator or landfill manager may refuse waste or close the facility during high winds, inclement weather, equipment failures or other unsafe conditions. Signs, gates, barriers and other approved access restrictions control when they conflict with the published schedule.

The county administrator may suspend or terminate landfill privileges for violations. Written notice must identify the violation and explain the sanction; a suspension notice must state its duration. The sanction can also apply to a business a violator owns, manages, operates, controls or represents.

A person or business whose access is suspended or terminated may file a written protest with the Board of County Commissioners within 10 days of receiving notice. The board must consider the protest at a public meeting and allow the protesting party to present information. Unless the board orders otherwise, the sanction remains in effect while the protest is pending, and the board’s decision is final for the county.